With their title-retention bid on the line, Jema Galanza showed up and delivered the goods for Creamline in their all-important match against Petro Gazz in the 2024 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference round-robin semifinals.
The former league MVP dropped a game-high 23 points, including three of the Cool Smashers’ final four points. She also had 16 excellent digs and 14 excellent receptions.
Moreover, her performance helped her side force a tie with the Angels at the number two spot with identical 1-1 records.
“Siyempre happy kami na nailaban namin. May mga parts ng game na parang, kakayanin pa ba namin? Makakahabol pa ba kami? Mananalo ba kami?” said an emotional Galanza.
“Pero inisip lang namin na sa dami ng pagsubok namin ngayong conference, andaming nagdududa (sa’min). Pero kami eto, nasa harap niyo… Kami yung mga taong hindi mawawala yung tiwala sa isa’t isa. Kaya naglaro kami ng lahat. Kaya nilaban talaga namin tong game na to,” she added.
Galanza stepped up when Petro Gazz tried to make a last-ditch attempt to save the game.
(C) Joaqui Flores/PVL
The 27-year-old outside spiker from San Pedro, Laguna saved Creamline from a 22-24 disadvantage in the fourth set. She scored by brushing off the ball from the Angels’ blockers before Jonah Sabete committed an attack error which tied the match at 24.
Galanza then scored two consecutive points to hand the defending champions an important victory.
Despite the enormous pressure, the former Adamson standout thrived under pressure and it was all thanks to the guidance of head coach Sherwin Meneses.
“Sabi sa amin ni coach na ang sarap maglaro kasi maliban sa madaming audience yung pressure andon and doon kasi namin… parang ang sarap maglaro ng may pressure minsan kasi yung gigil, nate-test mo yung sarili paano ka maglaro,” said Galanza.
“In-enjoy lang namin yung mga ganung pagkakataon and ni-remind lang namin yung sarili namin na hindi pa tapos, ilalaban natin to kahit anong lamang ng kalaban, didikit tayo.”
Galanza said that she still doesn’t feel satisfied with her performance and vowed to be even better when they take on Chery Tiggo on Sunday.
“Malayo pa, ‘di pa tapos eh. Kumbaga, ako hindi pa ako nasa-satisfy sa nilalaro namin kasi wala pa kami sa dulo so malalaman namin ‘yan ‘pag nandon na kami sa goal namin.”
